Riot police clash with Bayern fans in the tribunes during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg football match Real Madrid vs FC Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid in Madrid. Photo: CURTO DE LA TORRE/AFP/Getty Images

Bayern Munich supporters were involved in ugly clashes with Spanish police during their side’s Champions League quarter-final clash on Tuesday night.

Violence flared after the local authorities tried to remove banners German fans were displayed during an eventful last eight tie, that was finally decided by a glut of goals for the home side in extra time.

Cristiano Ronaldo may have dominated the headlines on the pitch as his hat-trick fired the defending European champion to a 6-3 aggregate victory, yet the scenes in the stands at the Bernabeu provided an unfortunate sideshow.

The Spanish police appeared to launch an operation to remove several Bayern Munich fans and their banners during the half-time interval, with clashes occurring as they made a collective move on their targets.

Riot police clash with Bayern fans in the tribunes during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg football match Real Madrid vs FC Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid in Madrid (Photo: GERARD JULIEN/AFP/Getty Images)

Police used batons in angry confrontations with visiting supporters, with tensions appearing to be diluted as the excitement on the pitch took centre-stage once the half-time interval has passed.

The Madrid police made this statement about their plans for the match prior to kick-off, after their declared the game a ‘high risk’ fixture.

“Nearly 1,800 officers will ensure that the match is held normally and that security is reinforced in and outside the stadium,” they stated. “The police presence will also be reinforced in tourist areas of the capital.”

UEFA are certain to investigate the scenes at the Bernabeu, with Bayern Munich likely to face a fine if their supporters are found to be guilty of offences.